I am also pleased to join with the Chairman in introducing S. 1160, the Department of Energy Administrative Improvement Act of 2011.

The bill of special interest in Alaska and other hydrocarbon-producing states will allow for co-leasing of geothermal production.

I rise to introduce legislation to help address one of the glaring issues our domestic nuclear industry faces-- what to do with the used nuclear fuel being stored at over 100 sites across the country. I am pleased to be joined by Senator…

I would be curious to know whether or not you think it would have an impact and if so, how it might impact Alaska Tribes.

I think it is important for those within the Department of Education to be looking to see if perhaps we are not getting fully accurate data because you have cultural issues that present themselves.

He says it doesn't provide him with the reliable information because, in his opinion, there was cultural bias that was inherent in that test.

I would appreciate it if you could look into it because if we are going to be relying on data, we need to know that the data that has been collected is sufficient upon which to base some decision.

the government can accelerate and spread the efficiency revolution, making it an engine for American competitiveness and job creation.

I think it is important to recognize that others are watching what direction the United States will take with this agreement.

Whether it is from a national security perspective, whether it is just from the perspective of keeping the commitment that we have made to the people of Palau, we need to make sure that we're able to honor this.

I join the chairman in encouraging you within the department to look critically at how we find the appropriate offset, and, as we mentioned, one that is politically viable, politically achievable.

Secretary Clinton has been very active, very engaged, in the Pacific and working to enhance and build on those relationships that we have in the Asia-Pacific region.

Can you give me any more information about what type of transnational crime we're beginning to see in the region?

I just want to follow on this conversation here.

Thank you very much for your excellent testimony.

If you don't have law enforcement there, it's pretty easy to move things through, regardless of what it is.

It is somewhat sobering to hear that those might be the conditions attached.

I was pleased to join with you in introducing legislation to approve the agreement between the governments of the United States and the Republic of Palau following the Compact of Free Association Review.

I do appreciate you holding this hearing on an issue of importance not just to this committee, but to the national security of the United States as a whole.

Of course the question is is how are we defining critical?

Wouldn't one of those metrics be how many loans were getting out the door? Whether or not we're meeting the need that is out there?

There's no question that a stable and affordable supply of minerals is critical to America's future competitiveness.

Is this something that the Administration would support? Is this a good idea? Bad idea?

It is critical that any proposal recognize and balance technological feasibility, safety, and economic practicability, including impact on U.S. jobs.

Thank you, Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Murkowski and members of the Committee.